Following a delayed start due to rain, the SKYCITY Northern Knights put in a clinical performance against the Devon Hotel Central Stags in New Plymouth today, with their top-order batsmen leading the way. The top of the table Knights posted an imposing 270 for eight from their 38 overs, with captain Daniel Flynn the top scorer with 72. The target proved to be well out of the Stags reach, with Scott Kuggeleijn the chief destroyer amongst the Knights bowlers, taking figures of four for 31 and dismissing the hosts after 24.5 overs.

Having been asked to bat first, the Stags got off to a quick start thanks to Flynn and Joe Carter (24), who together put on 61 for the first wicket. That partnership was followed up by a 74 run stand between Flynn and Daryl Mitchell (64), before Flynn fell in the 24th over. The Knights though were still in good shape at 135 for two and they continued to pile on the runs, with further contributions from BJ Watling (26), Jono Hickey (31) and Jono Boult (19no). Seth Rance and Bevan Small took two wickets apiece, but the Stags were left with a considerable hill to climb.

Early wickets immediately put the Stags even further on the back foot and the Knights didn’t relent. The run-outs of Jamie How (25) and Will Young (9) effectively ended the Stags chances of victory, though Tarun Nethula fought until the end for his side with an unbeaten 25. Kuggeleijn though would have the last laugh, dismissing Andrew Matheson to send the Knights five points clear at the top of the table.